[Effects of infant formula containing galacto-oligosaccharides on the intestinal microflora in infants].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of a low level of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on intestinal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and fermentation characteristics in term infants by comparing with human milk and a standard infant formula without GOS.


METHODS
A total of 371 term infants from four hospitals of China were enrolled. The infants started with breast feeding. After 1-2 weeks, some of the infants were changed to feeding with formula milk and then were randomly assigned to two formula-feeding groups: with or without GOS supplementation (2.4 g/L). Growth, stool characteristics, and side effects were recorded in a 3-month-follow-up. Faecal samples were collected for analysis of intestinal bacteria (culture technique), acetic acid (gas chromatography) and pH (indicator strip) at postnatal 3 months.


RESULTS
Compared with the formula-feeding group without GOS, the contents of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and acetic acid and stool frequency increased, and faecal pH decreased significantly in the GOS-formula-feeding and the human milk group. There were no significant differences between the GOS-formula-feeding and the human milk groups. Supplementation with GOS did not lead to an increase in the incidence of crying, regurgitation and vomiting.


CONCLUSIONS
A supplementation of low levels of GOS in infant formula seemed to improve stool frequency, decrease faecal pH, and stimulate intestinal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli up to levels as found in breast-fed infants.
Cai
Jun-Wei
JW
Department of Pediatrics, Chen Xing-Hai Hospital of Guangdong, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528415, China.
Lu
Ya-Dong
YD
Ben
Xiao-Ming
XM
D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005690:Galactose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D009844:Oligosaccharides; D005690:Galactose